The Samoan Werewolf is salivating!

The WWE World Heavyweight Championship match is so close, Jacob Fatu can almost taste it! But what happens as he is set to open the SmackDown before Backlash?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• WWE Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Kiana James w/ Giulia; Tiff wins and retains the title.
• Damian Priest w/ R-Truth VS Talla Tonga w/ MFT; Talla wins.
• Ricky Saints VS Matt Cardona; Saints wins.
• Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS The Fatal Influence; The Influence wins.
• Royce Keys VS Tama Tonga w/ MFT; Royce wins.

PLAY BY PLAY

WWE mourns the loss of Ted Turner.

Jacob Fatu is here!

Jacksonville is usually about jaguars, but tonight, they’re cheering the Samoan Werewolf as he heads to the ring. Fatu grabs the mic to say, “Tomorrow night at Backlash, I’m not fighting Roman Reigns for that title. Tomorrow at Backlash, I’m taking that title!” The fans cheer, and Fatu says since they were young, all everyone’s seen in Roman was the future. Since they were young, all anybody’s seen in Fatu was nothing. Now, they wanna call Jacob Fatu, they wanna talk nice, they wanna tell him to fall back and fall in line, huh? HELL NAH! Fatu’s seen this before with Roman, history repeats itself.

But check this out. Everyone tapping in with Fatu, they’re not trying to protect Fatu, they’re trying to protect Roman! The fans boo that, but Fatu says to keep it 100, when Roman was born, he was born with opportunity. When Fatu was born, he was born with doubts! When Fatu was born, it was- THE USOS interrupt! The fans cheer Jimmy & Jey as they walk down the ramp and to the ring. They get mics for themselves, and the fans “YEET! YEET! YEET!” while The Usos stare down with Jacob. Jimmy tells Jacob aight, they’re not out here to change his mind. Whatever they say, they know it won’t change what happens.

Jimmy says he’s proud of Jacob. The main event of Backlash, Samoan Werewolf VS OTC, for the World Heavyweight Championship, damn! Jimmy respects that cuz he understands it. A part of Jimmy is rooting for Jacob. But the other part of him is looking out for him. Jimmy & Jey understand how important this W Jacob’s been leaning on, been needing so damn bad, but has he ever sat still and just think, “What happens if I lose tomorrow night?” Jey says nah, he been thinking! But that’s cuz Jacob doesn’t think like that! He’s poppin’ off the reservation like Jey. But here’s what happens tomorrow night. “YEET!”

Jey says you wanna know what happens tomorrow night, because Jey’s lived it. Tomorrow night, Tribal Chief gon’ beat dat ass! The fans are torn and Jacob snarls but Jey says that ain’t even the worst part. The worst part is… Roman gonna break you down, emotionally, physically, and all that right in front of your family, Uce! Tomorrow night at Backlash, Jacob’s family will be right there watching this. And if Jacob loses, when Jacob loses, his wife and children, all of them, everybody, will have to ACKNOWLEDGE the OTC, Roman Reigns! The fans do chant for “O T C! O T C!” as The Usos raise their fingers to the sky.

Fatu says what? Tribal Chief? HELL NAH. He’ll break it down for them real quick: Fatu is NOT losing. Hell, he can’t lose! Matter of fact, Main Event Jey, you trying to talk Fatu about ills, lace him up on game about losses to Roman, well guess what? Flashback, Jey never beat Roman! Big Jim, trying to say if this, if that, WHAT?! There’s no losing, ain’t no acknowledging, cuz this ain’t just a main event. This is for Fatu’s family! So if there’s one thing that his family will see him do, is becoming the NEW WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION! The fans cheer that! And y’all can tell, he’s ready to put it on the line and die for his! Can they say the same for Roman? HELL NAH!

Cuz tomorrow night, at Backlash, Roman learns Fatu is all gas, no brakes with it! YADADADA MEAN?! FATUUU~! The fans cheer, and Fatu says one more thing. Tomorrow night at Backlash, if y’all two ever even THINK about interfering in that match, he swears to God he will burn this whole damn family tree down! Fatu heads out, more fired up than ever before. Will nothing stop the Samoan Werewolf from taking the throne from the Tribal Chief?

Backstage interview with Nick Aldis.

Cathy Kelley is with the SmackDown General Manager to ask about the attack on Cody Rhodes. Gunther is slated to be here this evening, but since he is still signed to Raw, can Aldis give any insight as to why Gunther’s here tonight? Aldis says what Gunther did was unacceptable, and Aldis will make that crystal clear. As for being signed to Raw, that’s just for now. But then Ricky Saints steps in and says forget Gunther, they should be talking about him, the hottest, newest signing to SmackDown. Hi, Cathy. And Saints had a great debut! He went toe-to-toe with QB1, Cody Rhodes! But now he’s going 1v1 with, like, QB4 or something?

Matt Cardona says very funny, Rookie Saints. Always running his mouth. Cardona isn’t here to pass the torch, but light a new one for himself. See you out there. Saints asks is this how Aldis runs things, and Aldis says that’s up to Saints. Will the Absolute prove he is still the future of SmackDown? Or will he learn that The Complete Matt Cardona is #AlwayZReady?

Nick Aldis talks with Jacob Fatu backstage.

The GM wants Fatu to take it easy, get some rest before tomorrow’s match. They shake hands on it and Aldis wishes Fatu luck. Fatu heads out but Royce Keys is there. They say what’s up, and Royce says forget what The Usos said> Failure ain’t ever been an option for them. Even when they didn’t know where the next dollar was coming from. So tell Royce this: When has Fatu ever been afraid of a man that breathes the same air as him? Fatu will go to Backlash, bring the gold home, #WerewolfUp! All gas, no brakes! Guys like them take everything. Fatu says yadada mean. Fatu heads out, Royce heads in, but Solo Sikoa is there.

Royce says he oughta beat the brakes off Solo right now. So the next words to come out of Solo’s mouth better be real smooth. Solo says calm down, he didn’t mean to upset him. Royce was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. But understand, there is still room in MFT for him, but time is running out. Solo leaves, but will Royce really accept that offer? Or will the Powerhouse choose to stand on his own?

WWE Women’s United States Championship: Tiffany Stratton VS Kiana James w/ Giulia!

Jacksonville is ready to be on #TiffyTime tonight, but the Wrestling Barbie better be careful not to underestimate Miss Management. Will Kiana take this belt for her own? Or will there still be time on the clock for Tiffy Time?

The introductions are made, the belt is raised, and we see who has their time to shine!

The bell rings, the two tie up, and Kiana slips around to shove Tiff. Tiff smirks, then shoves back. Kiana slips around, headlocks, but Tiff wrenches free to headlock back. Kiana powers up but Tiff kicks off ropes to tornado takeover! The fans cheer Tiffy Time while Kiana fights up. Kiana powers up and out but Tiff handsprings over, to then LARIAT Kiana down! Kiana goes to a corner, Tiff whips her corner to corner, then Tiff runs up. Kiana goes up and over, runs back in, but is put on the apron! Tiff ROCKS Kiana, but Kiana avoids the shoulder. Kiana BOOTS Tiff, then trips her up. Kiana drags Tiff to the corner to SLAM a leg against the POST!

Kiana goes after the leg again, and SLAMS it on the other side of the post! Tiff writhes as she flops out of the ring, and Kiana signals she’s gonna get that belt, but SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Kiana drags Tiff up, puts her in the ring, then storms up to snap suplex Tiff! Kiana then grabs the bad leg, stomps it, YANKS it, and SLAMS it on the mat. Tiff clutches the knee but Kiana CLUBS her down. Kiana puts Tiff on the ropes to CHOKE her. The ref counts, Kiana backs off, and Kiana drags Tiff up to bump off buckles. Kiana puts the leg on the ropes for a KNEE DROP on the knee! Tiff writhes but Kiana pushes her to a cover, TWO! Kiana is frustrated and Giulia is not impressed. Kiana bumps Tiff off buckles, then runs up, but into an ELBOW! Tiff fires fast hands on Kiana, but Kiana KICKS the bad leg! Tiff falls, and Kiana KICKS her in the side!

Kiana KICKS Tiff again, then grabs the bad leg. Tiff resists but Kiana still DDTS the foot! Cover, TWO! Tiff’s leg hurts but she still has heart. Kiana scowls as she stands Tiff up, but Tiff fires forearms! Kiana again kicks the bad leg! Kiana stomps and YANKS the leg, then paces around Tiff. Kiana argues with the ref, then brings Tiff up. Kiana ROCKS Tiff, Tiff fires a body shot. Tiff fires more shots, then a CHOP! Tiff whips Kiana to ropes, but Kiana avoids the dropkick! Kiana grabs the bad leg while SmackDown returns to single picture, HALF CRAB! The fans rally up as Tiff endures, and she fights her way forward to the ROPEBREAK!

The ref counts, Kiana lets go, and Kiana kicks Tiff out. Kiana argues with the ref again, but Giulia doesn’t dirty her hands. Kiana shrugs in confusion, but she puts Tiff back in the ring. Giulia says Kiana has to do this herself. Kiana rolls back in, and Tiff fires forearms! And then LARIAT! And LARIAT! Tiff manages to handspring through the pain for the BACK ELBOW! Tiff keeps going, handspring and STUNNER! Then TIFFY STOMPS! Kiana survives and Tiff is frustrated, but the fans rally even harder behind Tiff. Tiff slaps her leg into working, but Kiana kicks it again! Kiana runs, but Tiff dodges the boot! Kiana SUPERKICKS in return!

Kiana runs side to side, handsprings and GAMANGIRIS! Kiana then reels Tiff in for a fireman’s carry! DEATH VALLEY BOMB! Cover, TWO! Tiff survives and Kiana is furious! Kiana rains down fists on Tiff, then drags her back up. Kiana bumps Tiff off buckles, then RAMS into her again and again! The fans still rally for Tiff as Kiana handsprings and runs up, but Tiff dodges! Kiana POSTS herself! Giulia is worried now as Tiff fireman’s carries! Giulia gets on the apron, Kiana slips free, and Kiana rolls Tiff! But the distraction is going too long! Tiff is free, and she BLASTS Giulia! Then she blocks a kick to ELBOW Kiana!

Tiff fireman’s carries again, ROLLING SENTON! And of course, PRETTIEST MOONSAULT EVER! Cover, Tiff wins!

Winner: Tiffany Stratton, by pinfall (still WWE Women’s United States Champion)

The business relationship has become dysfunctional and it just cost both Giulia and Kiana! Tiff continues to reign, who will be next for her as SmackDown moves through the springtime?

The Gingerbread Man viewing has begun.

It is open casket as the friends and family members say their final farewells. And then Sami Zayn walks in. Aldis is there, and Sami asks how this is happening. Aldis is the GM of SmackDown, how is he allowing this farce to go on?! Aldis says Sami has made his feelings abundantly clear, okay? Everyone here just needs closure, so please have respect for the proceedings, okay? Sami says to God- R-Truth steps in and leans on Sami as he tears up. Truth has a rose and says he’s sorry for Sami’s loss. Sami thanks Truth, and Truth says he can see the family resemblance. Truth wants Sami to know that Gingey was very, very proud of Sami. Oh, was he?

Truth says yeah, Gingey talked about Sami all the time. Sami tries to be nice about this but Truth says Gingey wouldn’t want Sami to cry. Sami says he wasn’t gonna cry. Sami thanks Truth again, and Truth tells Sami to be strong. Truth blows a kiss to Gingey, then leaves. Sami is about to freak out again, but he calms down. Will the fake gingerbread man make this ginger snap again?

Backstage interview with Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss.

Cathy is with Mami, The Queen, and Lil’ Miss Bliss, and brings up that after multiple attacks from Fatal Influence, these three have agreed to take them on in a Six Woman Tag. Any final thoughts before they go out there? Rhea says Fatal Influence wanted to make an impression, and they did. The problem is, they chose the wrong ones to attack. That’s why Rhea is excited for tonight, because she’ll get to remind everyone exactly how she is. Charlotte says, “Or we can all get our hands on them together.” Just trying to be a team player. Rhea asks if Charlotte really has to fight her on everything. Does she trust her?

Uh, Rhea’s not the only one who wants revenge. Rhea asks if they’re gonna have a problem tonight. Charlotte says she isn’t sure, are they? Alexa steps in between them, and says they’re both big, strong, and awesome. But none of that matters unless they put the past behind them. And stop flexing! Now, they’ve teamed before, so they can do it again, right? Right? Rhea will be fine if Charlotte is. Charlotte isn’t sure, she’s standing right here. But Charlotte says she’s fine. Alexa says good, progress. Charlotte and Rhea still bicker, but will they be able to focus on their common enemies?

R-Truth checks on Damian Priest.

Truth says Sami’s crying over Gingerbread Man, dog. You hear him? Yeah, that’s just not where Priest’s mind is right now. Then where is it? On getting payback on MFT. Right, gotta handle that. Let’s go, dog. Priest had a feeling Truth would say that. But Truth isn’t even 100% right now, and when it comes to numbers, Judgment Day wrote the book on this: They’ll get to Truth to get to Priest. Truth needs to stay back here. Truth says if Priest wants payback, he wants payback. They are THE WWE Tag Team Champions. Priest says that’s right, and he’s proud of that. He didn’t expect this, and he’s glad they’re champions.

But if something were to happen to Truth… Just trust Priest that he knows how to handle this on his own. Truth says he trusts Priest. They shake hands and Priest heads out. Will the Archer of Infamy really be able to handle the Tongan Titan all by himself? Or will Solo Sikoa make sure to tip the scales?

Damian Priest w/ R-Truth VS Talla Tonga w/ MFT!

SmackDown returns as Priest makes his entrance. And the moment he’s in the ring, he CLOBBERS Talla in the corner! The fans fire up and the bell rings as Priest fires off! Talla shoves Priest away, but Priest comes back to ELOBW Talla! Then Priest runs to CLOBBER Talla out of the ring! Priest finally takes his jacket off, to then go out and FLYING KNEE! Talla stumbles into barriers, and Priest scares Solo back. Solo puts up his dukes, but Priest runs up to CLUB Talla! Priest ROCKS Talla, Talla KNEES low, but Priest SUPERKICKS back! Talla wobbles, Priest lines up another shot, and he ROLLING- NO, Talla catches Priest, to RAM him into the POST!

Talla snarls as he CLUBS Priest down, then he refreshes the ring count. Talla UPPERCUTS Priest, then SMACKS him off the apron. Priest staggers and wobbles but Talla brings him around. Talla scoops Priest and carries him over, to SLAM on the desk! Solo is loving this but the fans boo, and SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Talla soaks up the heat, then he rolls into the ring. Talla argues with the ref, and Solo SMACKS Priest off the desk! Solo talks trash as he gets away with things, and Talla goes out to brings Priest up. Talla gives Priest SNAKE EYES Off the barriers! Priest falls, the ref reprimands, and the ring count climbs past 5 of 10. Talla puts Priest in at 8, then stalks him along the way. Priest ELBOWS Talla back, but Talla UPPERCUTS! Priest falls over, but Talla drags him right back up. Talla whips Priest into a corner, then runs up for a LARIAT! Talla reels Priest in and suplexes! Talla holds Priest up for FIVE before the SLAM! Cover, TWO!

Talla is frustrated, but he clamps on a neck wrench. Priest endures, even as Talla leans on the hold. Priest fights up, fires body shots, then ROCKS Talla with forearm after forearm! Priest whips but Talla blocks! Talla whips but Priest BOOTS him! Solo trips Priest up, Talla ELBOWS Priest down! Talla then runs to ELBOW DROP! Talla soaks up more heat, then looms over Priest. Talla eggs Priest on, and Priest throws a forearm. Talla doesn’t budge, but Priest fires another forearm. SmackDown returns to single picture as Talla SMACKS Priest. Talla eggs Priest on, then runs to ELBOW FLOP! The fans fire up as Priest goes to ropes and rises up!

Talla runs up but Priest dodges, and Talla hits the buckles! Priest fires haymakers, then dodges a shot to ROUNDHOUSE! Talla UPPERCUTS back! Talla runs up but Priest dodges the boot! Talla is stuck on the ropes, Priest SPINNING ROUNDHOUSES! And SPINNING ROUNDHOUSES again! And again! Talla wobbles and staggers, so Priest spins, but into the guzel! Priest BELL CLAPS free, then SPIN KICKS! Priest roars, runs, and ROLLING ROUNDHOUSES! The fans fire up while Talla bails out. Priest goes out after him, and runs in around the way to AX HANDLE! And Priest BLASTS Solo for good measure!

Priest puts Talla back in, climbs back up, and the fans cheer as Priest powers up the arm. Talla rises into Priest’s FLYING LARIAT! Cover, TWO! Talla survives and Priest is stunned! Priest stands, and the straps come down! The fans fire back up as Priest then aims, only for TAMA TONGA to rush out here! The Good Bad Guy distracts the ref, Solo gets up, and he HOTSHOTS Priest! Talla DISCUS LARIATS Priest down! The fans boo as Talla covers, TWO!! Priest survives and Talla is beside himself! Solo coaches Talla while Priest slumps out the side. The fans chant, “We Want Truth!” and here comes R-Truth!

The fans cheer as Truth, one good arm, ROCKS Tama, then fires off on Solo! Tama goes after Truth, SAMOAN- NO, Priest blocks the spike, and he SHOVES Solo into Tama! Priest says he told Truth to stay in the back, but then Talla BOOTS Priest down! Talla puts Priest in the ring, winds up, and Talla guzels! T-L CHOKE SLAM!

Winner: Talla Tonga, by pinfall

Priest was right all along, MFT would use numbers and distractions to win one! But now MFT takes advantage of the 3v2 situation and they corner Truth & Priest! The fans boo, but ROYCE KEYS rushes out here! Royce warned Solo, and he scares MFT off! Solo says it’s alright, they’ll let this cool off. But will Royce be the one to stand between MFT and what they want?

Danhausen is scouting for tag partners.

He has a sign-up sheet as he calls one and all to team with him for Backlash. But The Miz & Kit Wilson step in. Miz says, “Well look who it is!” Miz snatches the paper! Danhausen says they can’t sign up, they’re his opponents! Miz says he’s not trying to sign up! Did they beat Danhausen so bad last week that he cried to Nick Aldis to make the match, and now he can’t even find a partner? Kit, wake up, stop looking at yourself in the mirror! Kit says oh, surprise, surprise, no tag partners. Because Danhausen, you, are, TOXIC! Guess Backlash happens a little early. But Kit says wait, let’s think of the MIZ Method.

Let us know that we have two emotionally mature men who can wait to destroy Danhausen tomorrow night at Backlash. But Miz says the match won’t happen since Danhausen has no friends! Danhausen says he has friends! Papa Shango, Curly Man, and Bob. Bob? Yeah, from catering. Bob can’t be a tag team partner! Kit says the only man toxic enough to team with Danhausen is Danhausen! Kit uses his mirror to show Danhausen himself. Oh, wow! Great idea! Wait, what? Danhausen zooms away, but Miz says it doesn’t matter. They beat the curse out of him, he can’t even disappear properly. But seriously, what idea did Kit just inspire inside that Very Nice, Very Evil mind?

Paul Heyman is backstage!

The Wise Man struts right up to Nick Aldis’ office, and considers knocking, but then figures there’s no need. Heyman barges into the GM’s office, but what does he want to discuss?

Remembering The Gingerbread Man…

Clearly through the powers of editing and AI, Gingerbread Man was secretly watching from the crowd for all the classic WWE moments, such as Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant at WrestleMania 3, Stone Cold Steve Austin being arrested, and even John Cena finally winning the WWE Championship. Don’t let Sami see any of this or he’ll desecrate the body…

Heyman and Aldis finish up their meeting.

Aldis has the contract, and says everything is in order. Heyman thanks Aldis very much, and then in steps Gunther. Aldis shakes hands with Der Ring General, and Heyman hands said contract over. Aldis says before Gunther signs and officially joins SmackDown, he does need to say that what Gunther did last week was reprehensible, and this better be the last time they have a conversation like this. That said, Aldis is also happy to have Gunther on the blue brand. Gunther looks the contract over, chuckles, and asks if that’s how Aldis is going to talk to THE future WWE Champion. But then wait, Cody Rhodes makes his entrance?!

Gunther asks what’s going on, who scheduled this? The fans cheer while Aldis tries to apologize, even he didn’t know this was happening. Gunther says that’s too bad. He doesn’t do business like this. Heyman tells Aldis he’ll handle this, and Heyman follows Gunther out while The American Nightmare gets his “WHOA~ OH~” and pyro. Cody fires the fans up, then goes to the ring. We get the second “WHOA~ OH~” and pyro, then Cody grabs the mic. The fans cheer Cody on, and he asks Jacksonville, “Duuuval~! Whaddya wanna talk about?” Cody figures last week, Der Ring General, that was his way of saying he’s next in line.

Cody would love if Gunther could come out here right now, look him in the eye, and say just that. But instead, “Ladies and gentlemen…” Paul Heyman walks out on stage, and the fans are torn between booing and joining in with the introductions. Heyman says we have a bit of a problem but he’s here to solve that problem. Heyman holds a contract for the- Cody stops Heyman there. He has to ask: Has Heyman now become an Advocate for Gunther? Because this is not a thing we need paper for. They don’t need a contract! Cody’s cleared, Cody’s in Jacksonville, Gunther’s in Jacksonville, let’s just do the damn thing!

The fans fire up but Heyman says no, he is not an advocate for Gunther. He just owes Gunther a favor. This contract is the favor. Heyman is also an enormous fan of The American Nightmare, Cody Rhodes. Which is why Heyman wanted Cody to know that he does need a contract when the Undisputed Heavyweight Championship is at stake. The fans sing for “Cody, Cody Rhodes~” as Heyman steps onto the apron. Heyman sighs, then says that’s actually his favorite song in WWE. Heyman steps inside and says he wants to make sure there are no misunderstandings. The title match contract is NOT for here in Jacksonville, Florida. The fans boo that!

Heyman says said contract is not even for here in the United States of America. The title fight with Gunther will be, should Cody accept, in Turin for Clash in Italy! The fans chant “U S A! U S A!” but Heyman says if Cody seeks a fight with Gunther, then Italy is where the match happens. The favor Heyman owed was to set this up. If Cody wants Gunther’s name on the contract, he’ll have to get his signature yourself. Heyman shakes Cody’s hand and says goodnight. But Cody has “Mr. Heyman” wait. Cody has had quite the last month, so he’ll dismiss his politeness and ask this directly.

Brock Lesnar retired on Heyman. The Tribal Chief wants nothing to do with Heyman. CM Punk has discarded Heyman. Heyman is standing right here, right now, and Cody has to ask… Is this because Heyman’s out of options? Heyman says the way he sees it, he’s not the one running out of options. “Sooner or later, they all need the Wise Man.” Heyman walks away, but GUNTHER SLIDES IN! Cody senses it and fires first! The fans fire up, but Gunther gets around Cody to SLEEPER! Cody flails, reaches out, but he’s fading! But then Cody BOPS Gunther with the mic! Cody is free, but not for long! Cody hurries to THROW Gunther out!

Gunther gets up but Cody BLASTS him off the apron! Cody asks Gunther if this is what he wants! Does he expect everyone to roll out the red carpet and kiss some ass? Gunther gets up again, Cody BLASTS Gunther back down! And he does it again! Cody dares Gunther to keep trying! You think he sweats Gunther?! Just cuz he beat Goldberg, AJ Styles, and the Greatest Of All Time, John Cena?! Cody doesn’t sweat Gunther! If he wants this, come and get it! On SmackDown, Cody is easy to find, hard to beat! Cody has issued a challenge of his own, but will these two truly Clash in Italy?

MFT regroups backstage.

Tama again questions what Solo is doing. Royce is a problem that needs to be dealt with! Solo says he doesn’t see Royce as a problem but a solution, and a perfect fit for the family. Tama says this is what he thinks: Royce just came in there and embarrassed them in front of everyone. Tama doesn’t know about Solo, but that doesn’t sit right with him. Tama’s gonna handle business and show Royce what he’s all about. Tama storms off, but Solo keeps Talla from following after. Solo says if Tama wants to go out there alone, let him find out what happens. Is the Good Bad Guy really going to topple the Powerhouse? Or is Solo playing the long game going to pay off?

Ricky Saints VS Matt Cardona!

The “new kid on the block” made quite the first impression when he debuted on SmackDown last week, but he’s up against a man who has been grinding for a long, long time. Will the future of SmackDown be Absolute or Complete?

SmackDown returns as Saints makes his entrance. The bell rings and the two circle. They feel things out, tie up, and Cardona powers Saints to a corner. The ref counts, Saints pie faces Cardona, then he dodges. Saints taunts Cardona as the two circle again. Saints slips around, headlocks, but Cardona powers up and out. Saints RUNS Cardona over, then strikes his pose! Things speed up, Cardona drops down, then bypasses Saints to RUN him over! Saints scrambles to a corner while the fans cheer Cardona. Cardona eggs Saints on, then blocks a kick to LARIAT Saints down! Cardona fires off in the corner, and he grinds his forearm into Saints’ face.

The ref counts, Cardona backs off, but Saints YANKS him into buckles! Saints stomps a mudhole in, stops as the ref counts, then he CHOPS! Cardona is stinging but Saints ROCKS him with a forearm. Saints whips corner to corner but Cardona reverses. Cardona runs up to forearm SMASH, then he whips for the FLAPJACK! Cardona waits on Saints, runs up and LARIATS in the corner! Saints sits down, Cardona lines up a shot, “Woo Woo Woo!” But Saints avoids the Broski Boot! The fans boo as Saints scrambles around the way, but Cardona simply runs to WRECK him with a dropkick! Saints is furious already, and he throws a fit while SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Saints again strikes his pose. Cardona rises up to trip Saints and jackknife bridge, TWO! DOUBLE LARIATS collide and both men fall! They go to opposite ends while the fans rally up. Saints snarls, runs up, but into DOUBLE KNEES! Cardona LARIATS, whips, but Saints reverses. Cardona SMACKS Saints off the mat! Then he forearm SMASHES in the corner, sits Saints down, and digs his knee in. Cardona backs off and the fans fire up. BROSKI BOOT! Direct hit this time, and Cardona pushes Saints to a cover, TWO! Saints is still in this and Cardona grows frustrated. Cardona stalks Saints, hooks the arms, and turns Saints.

Saints CLUBS Cardona, dragon sleepers, and hits a SIDEWINDER! Cover, TWO! Saints is frustrated now as he drags Cardona back up. Saints reels Cardona in, but Cardona BACKDROPS free! The fans cheer as Cardona runs up, but Saints avoids the Rough Ryder! The fans boo but Cardona drags Saints up! Saints TRIPS Cardona hard! Saints then hurries back in, but into the ROUGH RYDER! Cover, TWO! Saints survives and shocks Cardona! Cardona storms up to Saints, CHOKES him on the ropes, but the ref counts. Cardona stops, but Saints throat chops! REVOLUTION DDT! Then Saints hauls Cardona up, Canadian Rack, ROSHAMBEAUX!! Cover, Saints wins!

Winner: Ricky Saints, by pinfall

Cardona may have taken offense to being “QB4,” but he still got sacked by Saints. Will nothing stop the revolution from being televised?

Sami Zayn is seething.

He swears, this is all one big sick joke! See what he’s dealing with? He swears, you work your whole life, try to be good and do things the right way, and then everything, bam, just gone. Does he know what Sami means? Of course he does, just look at him. Johnny Gargano is depressed-planking right next to Sami. Sami pats Johnny and says he’s alright. Is he even in there? Is Johnny Wrestling still there? Johnny sits up and Sami says Candice, look! He moved! But he’s right back down. Candice says no, this is what Johnny does. Then Sami sees something else and is in further disbelief. Rey Fenix, amigo, why are you here?

Fenix says he is paying respects. Sami says all of this is a shot at Sami! Trick is doing this to get to him and they’re all supporting this! Who even are these people!? Fenix says Sami needs to tranquilo, this is not the place nor the time. Sami says that’s true, this isn’t. Sami heads off, but to do what?

Brie Bella & Paige are backstage.

They feel great being back in Jacksonville, but then whoa, a ladder falls over? And in the distraction, Danhausen zips by, and plucks a hair from Brie? The tag champs don’t know what to make of this, but they head to gorilla. What will they have to say about what’s next for their reign?

Blake Monroe speaks.

“It’s my mirror. It reflects the envy, the scandal, the obsession that follows me wherever I go. But it’ll be alright. I can take everything you love and make it mine.” The Glamour is still getting herself ready, when and where will she step into the spotlight of SmackDown?

Brie Bella & Paige head to the ring!

The fans cheer for the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions as they hold up the belts, having survived the Irresistible Forces last week. They get the mics and Brie tells Jacksonville, “There’s a lot of teams in WWE right now saying they have what it takes to beat us, to be champions. But like we showed the Irresistible Forces last week, it’s not so easy to take these titles off Paige and I. So whoever it may be, the results will always be the same.” Paige says that’s right. And she heard what Judgment Day had to say about her and Brie. Judgment Day wants to stop this, what’d they call it? Nostalgia tour?

Wow, nostalgia. When Paige thinks about that, she thinks about has-beens recreating the magic they don’t have anymore. But let her tell you something! Paige and Brie are the best they’ve ever looked, the best they’ve ever been, and if Raquel & Roxie wanna step up, then step up, babies! Whether it is Raw or SmackDown, they are THE champions, and this- Fatal Influence interrupts! Jacy Jayne leads the way for Fallon Henley & Lainey Reid, and Jacy says she’s heard enough of this. These two are clearly in over their heads. And Jacy hates to be the one to break it to them, but Judgment Day is NOT who you should worry about.

The fans boo Jacy but Jacy says Paige & Brie forgot that two weeks ago, Fatal Influence dropped them and left them laying. Fallon says maybe the champs have been too distracted to see that she, Jacy & Lainey are already taking over. And part of that main roster takeover means taking the tag team titles. Lainey says why stop there? There’s plenty of gold to go around. And pretty soon, Jacy will be standing here as the NEW Women’s Champion! The fans boo that idea even more, but Jacy says as for tonight, they have business to take care of. So if these two were smart, they’d get out of their ring, go to the back, and watch how a real team gets the job done.

But wait, The Irresistible Forces join in! Nia Jax says it beats the heck outta her, but when did anyone say Fatal Influence could cut in line? Lash Legend says exactly! Those three can’t possibly think they’re big and bad coming to SmackDown when this is clearly not NXT. And secondly, Fatal Influence can’t possibly think they’re in the way of The Irresistible Forces getting their titles back. The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” and Nia says yes, these are some tricks. Actually, they’re like the knockoff Mean Girls! Lash says exactly! Get to the back of the line. And then they DECK Paige & Brie!! LEG DROP for Paige! And LASH EXTENSION for Brie!

The fans are torn, but Fatal Influence stays back for the time being. Nia & Lash head out, when and where will they get another shot at Paige & Brie? And speaking of Fatal Influence’s business tonight, Rhea makes her entrance! Mami is ready for a fight, but her stare down with Lash will have to just be a teaser. Will Rhea, Charlotte & Alexa make sure Jacy, Fallon & Lainey learn their place? Or will SmackDown soon be under the Influence?

Six Woman Tag: Rhea Ripley, Charlotte Flair & Alexa Bliss VS The Fatal Influence!

SmackDown returns as Charlotte makes her entrance, followed by Alexa. The fans “WOO~” while the trios sort out, and Alexa starts against Fallon. The fans rally as the two circle, approach, but Fallon slips around to trip Alexa! Fallon says yeehaw, but Alexa SLAPS, ROCKS, KNEES and THROWS Fallon down! The fans cheer and Alexa says yeehaw! The fans cheer that, but Fallon scowls. Fallon kicks, Alexa blocks, and DRAGON SCREWS! Fallon flounders, Alexa DOUBLE KNEES her on the ropes, then YANKS her back! Alexa then adds INSULT2INJURY! Cover, TWO! Alexa BOOTS Lainey out of the ring, but Fallon hits a FLATLINER!

Fallon talks trash on Alexa, drags her up, and bumps her off buckles. Fallon stomps a mudhole, then tags Jacy. Jacy digs her boot into Alexa, steps off as the ref counts, then tags Lainey. Lainey says kiss this before Jacy whips her in, UPPERCUT on Bliss! Lainey whips Jacy in, BACK BODY BLOCK on Bliss! Jacy feeds Alexa to Lainey’s scoop for a GUT BUSTER! Lainey taunts Rhea and Charlotte, then runs up, but Alexa dodges! Hot tag to Rhea! The fans fire up as Rhea wrenches and short arm LARIATS again and again! Ripcord and HOOK KICK! Then the ATOMIC SLAM! Rhea BLASTS Fallon, DROPKICKS Lainey, then dodges Jacy to scoop and FALL AWAY SLAM!

Rhea is all fire dup, she goes up top, and Lainey staggers into the MISSILE DROPKICK! The fans fire up for Rhea as she goes outside, lines up another shot, and CANNONBALLS! Fallon & Jacy take the hit and Jacksonville is thunderous as SmackDown goes picture in picture.

Rhea struts over to fetch Lainey, and she puts Lainey in the ring. Lainey crawls, but Fallon grabs Rhea’s foot. Rhea kicks free, then dodges Jacy. Jacy stays back, Rhea rolls in, but Lainey STOMPS her down! Lainey rains down fists on Rhea, then drops a leg! Lainey soaks up the heat before she drags Rhea back up. Lainey bumps Rhea off buckles, tags Fallon, and Fallon stomps a mudhole in. The ref counts, Fallon stops, then tags Jacy. Jacy taunts Charlotte before she CANNONBALLS Rhea! Cover, TWO! Rhea toughs it out but Jacy tags Lainey back in. They mug Rhea, then Lainey sneaks a headlock punch! Lainey brings Rhea around to CLUB her down.

Charlotte rallies the fans while Lainey taunts Rhea, and Rhea fires body shots! Rhea ROCKS Lainey, whips, but Lainey reverses. Lainey runs up to KNEE Rhea in the corner! Lainey then brings Rhea around to snapmare and stomp! Cover, TWO! Lainey is annoyed, she stomps Rhea’s hand, then taunts Charlotte. The ref keeps them apart, and Lainey ROCKS Rhea. Lainey then sucker punches Charlotte! The ref has to stop Charlotte, so that lets the Influence mug Rhea in the corner! Lainey tags Jacy, Jacy digs her boots in again, then she stops at 4. Jacy drags Rhea up, snapmares, and KICKS Rhea in the back! Then basement SUPERKICKS! Cover, TWO!

Jacy tags Lainey, she UPPERCUTS Rhea, then drags Rhea back up as SmackDown returns to single picture. Rhea fires body shots again and again, but Lainey THROWS Rhea by her hair! The fans rally for Rhea as Lainey stands her up. Rhea ROCKS Lainey, reaches out, but Lainey holds her back! The fans rally harder as Rhea and Charlotte are fingertips away! Rhea reels Lainey in but Lainey hits a NECKBREAKER DROP! Then a sucker punch for Alexa! Charlotte warns Lainey, and Rhea EDDY GORDO KICKS! Lainey wobbles, falls, and the fans fire up! Hot tags to Jacy and Charlotte! The fans fire up as The Queen is unleashed on the Influence!

Charlotte CHOPS away, back and forth for Jacy and Lainey! Jacy falls, Lainey staggers, Charlotte HANDSPRING LARIATS Jacy down! Then she scoops Lainey for a FALL AWAY SLAM! Charlotte kips up, the fans fire up, and Charlotte whips Jacy. Jacy reverses, Charlotte goes up and out, then she BOOTS Jacy! And BOOTS Fallon! Charlotte goes up, up, and CROSSBODIES Jacy & Lainey! The fans fire up as Charlotte keeps moving, DOUBLE NATURAL SELECTION! Cover, TWO!! Jacy survives and Charlotte is a bit surprised. Charlotte grabs a leg, steps through, but she has to BOOT Lainey down first!

Charlotte tags Alexa, and they each take on! NATURAL- SUPERKICKS instead! Fallon drags Charlotte out to TOSS onto the desk! Jacy runs up on Alexa, but Alexa wrenches through! Jacy slips down to roll Alexa up, TWO! Alexa ROCKS Jacy, but Jacy returns, NECKBREAKER DROP! Both women are down, Fallon distracts the ref as Rhea rises up, and JADE CARGILL jumps out from the crowd! The Storm has returned to Jacksonville and she YANKS Rhea down! The fans boo but Jade grins. ROLLING ENCORE for Alexa!! Cover, Fatal Influence wins!

Winners: The Fatal Influence, by pinfall

Jacy smiles as she signals that’s twice now. But while The Fatal Influence is feeling themselves, Jade slides in. Fatal Influence leaves, not wanting any trouble after she handed them this win. But Jade isn’t done, as she mocks poor little Bliss. She tells Alexa to get up, but Charlotte slides in! The fans cheer, but then B-Fab & Michin go after Charlotte! The Baddies have Jade’s back as they beat down The Queen! But Rhea is back to DROPKICK Jade! She dodges Fab, HEADBUTTS Mia, then SUPERKICKS Fab! But Jade BOOTS Rhea down! Jade looms over Rhea while Fab THRASHES Alexa around! FULL NELSON BOMB!

Charlotte gets up to DECK Fab, but Mia SUPERKICKS Charlotte! Rhea may have won at WrestleMania, but will she have to settle things once and for all with #ThatB1tch?

Royce Keys heads to gorilla.

The Usos are there to say what’s up. They saw him talking to Jacob earlier. Not everyone knows how far this all goes back. But just so Royce knows, this is family business. Royce needs to stay in his lane, or he might catch the eyes of The Tribal Chief. YEET. Jimmy & Jey head out, and Royce nods. But Roman Reigns aside, will the Powerhouse make sure MFT understands who they’re messing with?

Royce Keys VS Tama Tonga w/ MFT!

SmackDown returns as Royce makes his entrance. The bell rings and Tama runs up to DROPKICK! Tama fires hands, then whips, but Royce blocks and reverses! Royce scoops, and he runs from the corner, OKLAHOMA STAMPEDE! The fans fire up as Royce hurries to LARIAT Tama front and back and then down! Cover, TWO! Royce stays fired up and the fans are with him. Royce JABS Tama in the corner again and again and again, then stops as the ref counts. Royce drags Tama up to suplex, but Tama slips free to CHOP BLOCK! And SLIDING LARIAT! The fans boo but Tama covers, TWO!

Tama snarls as Royce stays in this. Tama CLUBS and ROCKS Royce, then runs, but Royce ducks to BELLY2BELLY! Royce clinches but Tama HEADBUTTS free! FLATLINER! Royce sputters, then rolls out of the ring. The ref has Tama stay back, and Solo tells Talla to stand down. Royce rises up, Tama runs up, and Tama BLASTS Royce back down. Tama paces while the ring count starts, and he wonders why MFT isn’t attacking. Tama decides to build speed, slide, but Royce catches him! Royce APRON POWERSLAMS Tama! Tama slumps down, Royce watches MFT, but they stay back. Royce runs up on Tama, but Tama dodges! Royce hits steel steps!

The fans boo but Tama snarls as SmackDown goes to break.

SmackDown returns as Royce RAMS Tama into a corner, but Tama holds on with the SLEEPER! Royce tries again, and again, then he THROWS Tama away. Royce runs up but Tama ROCKS him! Royce ROCKS back! Tama ROCKS Royce, Royce ROCKS Tama, repeat! The fans cheer Royce, boo Tama, and Royce gets the edge! Royce whips, Tama reverses, then Tama SPLASHES! Tama reels Royce in for a TWIST ‘N’ SHOUT! Cover, TWO! Royce survives Tama playing his ace, but Tama brings him up. Tama reels Royce in, underhooks the arms, but Royce BACKDROPS free! Tama runs up but Royce dodges in the corner!

Royce rallies with LARIAT after LARIAT, then he roars and runs to POUNCE! Tama tumbles away and the fans fire up! Royce brings the straps down, then SPLASHES Tama in the corner! Royce whips corner to corner, SPLASHES again, then pops Tama up! POWERSLAM! Cover, TWO! Tama survives but Royce drags him right back up. Royce scoops Tama again, but Tama slips free, REVERSE DDT! Cover, TWO! Royce survives and Solo sarcastically coaches Tama to solve the problem already. The fans rally, both men rise, and Tama snarls as he BOOTS Royce! Royce shakes his head, so Tama BOOTS Royce again!

The fans fire up with Royce, and he runs up to LARIAT Tama up and out of the ring! Royce gets Tama in, but now Talla steps up. Solo tells Talla no, Tama’s got this. Royce rolls in, but he has to dodge Tama again! Tama BOOTS back, jumps up, but leaps into THE ULTIMATE SPINEBUSTER! Cover, Royce wins!

Winner: Royce Keys, by pinfall

Tama tried and failed, but now Solo & Talla step to the apron. Solo still offers Royce that spot on the team, but Royce again rejects it. Will Solo give up thinking he can make Royce sell out?

Danhausen is experimenting…?

Does that box have “Cloning Machine” written on it? He dabs the hair he got from Brie in juice, then takes out one of his own teeth. Danhausen drinks something, and says this lighting sucks. Danhausen claps his hands, and now things are much more ominous. Danhausen pours his concoction into the machine, then types on his computer. It isn’t working so he smacks it. The thing sparks, then starts working! Danhausen says if his calculation is correct, in 24 hours, he will have his perfect tag partner to help him annihilate #MizKit at Backlash! Then Danhausen will take over the world! Except the thing powers down!

Danhausen smacks the thing, but nothing. It broke? S*it! Danhausen works to reboot the system, but will he be able to finish his cloning experiment in time for the tag match?

Tama returns backstage.

And Shinsuke Nakamura walks in. He says even after all this, Tama is still in MFT. Nakamura’s disappointed. And now, Tama’s own brother won’t help him. But speaking of, Talla steps in. He tells Nakamura to stay away from Tama, or else they’re gonna have problems. Oh, problems? Nakamura says no problem, and he leaves. But is the King of Strong Style right? Does something have to change if Tama wants to finally win again?

Nick Aldis meets with Trick Williams.

They shake hands and Aldis asks how Trick is doing. Trick has been better. Aldis says everything Trick requested is in place, the rest of the broadcast is all for him. Trick says he appreciates that. The WWE US Champion is emotional already, but he heads to gorilla. The funeral for The Gingerbread Man will officially begin, after the break.

SmackDown returns and Trick makes his entrance. The fans still chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” with the song, and he is still on his rotating platform, but he’s dressed in all black as he pours one out (with milk) for his boy. Or rather, for his Gingerbread Man. Trick then joins everyone in the ring, and he looks at Gingey in the casket. Trick gets a mic, has them cut his music, and he takes a moment before saying, “Y’all have to bear with me, hopefully I get through this.” Somber music plays, and Trick starts to sing…? “RIP, Gingerbread. I never thought I’d see you dead. I remember every word you said. Can I get some help please?”

The gospel choir sings “REMEMBER~!” Trick remembers taking him out the oven, and when he lost the gumdrop button. Sami ripped out all his stuffin’, can he get some help please? When you said this would last forever, when you said that it was now or never, when you brought his lemon pepper steppers! Can somebody tell Trick why? Can somebody tell him why? Why did Gingerbread have to die? Can somebody tell him why? Can somebody tell him why? Can somebody tell him why? “GIN~ GER~ BREAD~!” The fireflies come out, and we get a video montage of Gingey’s life. He even signed to the University of South Carolina to play football!

Gingey was one of Trick’s groomsmen at his wedding, helped him climb Mount Everest, won a dunk contest, and saw the Grand Canyon with him and Lil’ Yachty. “In Loving Memory of The Gingerbread Man: A Life Well-Done.” The fans actually chant for “Gingerbread! Gingerbread!” Trick asks for a moment of silence. Everyone quiets down, but SAMI shouts enough of this! The fans boo as Sami storms out here, and he keeps asking if this is serious. This is ridiculous! Is Sami losing his mind or something!? This has been going on all night! Trick, maybe you don’t know this because you’ve been in this business for a cup o’ coffee… But TV time used to mean something!

Closing out an episode of SmackDown used to mean something! There was a prestige! Holding that US Championship, there was a prestige! And now Trick is making a joke out of Sami. Didn’t Trick look Sami in the eyes and say that no one messes with his money, and yet how much money did he just WASTE on all this?! Sami counted damn near 1000 roses, and that costs a lot! Or to rent a choir! And Sami wasn’t gonna say anything, but they were offkey! How much did this all cost? Sami saw that casket, it’s solid oak! They don’t make ’em like that anymore, trust him! So do you know what that cost?!

The fans chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” and Trick takes his coat off. Sami storms into the ring and asks why did Trick waste all this money. To make a joke on Sami? Sami would never do that, he has too much self-respect. He has too much respect for SmackDown! For the fans who pay hard earned money to come in here! Because that is who Sami is, he is a working class hero who represents the fans! The fans still boo Sami and chant “Whoop Dat Trick!” Sami says he’ll tell you this. Trick spent all this money, went all this way, and he must think he’s the one to finally do Sami in. But he will remind Trick that he is THE Sami Zayn!

Sami has done everything there is to do in this ring! He’s been against guys at the tippy top, all the way to the bottom, and everywhere in between. Does Trick understand? Every single one of them thought they were gonna knock Sami down, knock him off his game, even guys bigger, stronger, and faster than Trick, and Sami has outlasted them! TWENTY YEARS in this game, and Sami isn’t going anywhere! But Trick wants to get in Sami’s head? Sami hates to give it to Trick, but yeah, he did it, he got to Sami. He made Sami angry. But congrats, you played yourself. Because now, this is personal. It isn’t just about taking back the US Championship tomorrow at Backlash, which he will.

Sami is going to do everything Trick back 1000 times worse! He’s gonna make a joke out of Trick, he will humble him, expose him, and disrespect him. So enjoy this night, “sorry for your loss,” but see you tomorrow at Backlash. Then Sami DECKS Trick! The fans boo as Sami rains down fists on Trick! Sami stomps away, then storms around. Sami grabs the belt, smothers Trick with it, and says this isn’t a game! This is Sami’s life! The fans boo as Sami holds up the belt, but then GINGERBREAD MAN SITS UP!! Because it’s LIL’ YACHTY! And he candy cane kendo sticks Sami! And again! And again! And again!

Yachty laughs as Sami scrambles away, because this joke was a trick! And speaking of tricks, TRICK SHOT for Sami! Trick Yachty Gang gets one over on Sami and his bad attitude, but will they have the last laugh at Backlash?

My Thoughts:

A very good episode as the go-home to Backlash, but the MFT story has sadly been hobbled by the release of Tonga Loa & JC Mateo/Jeff Cobb. The numbers game talk would work better if MFT still had the numbers, but they’re only three men now, and look to have four opponents standing against them between Priest, Truth, Royce and Nakamura. On the flipside, if Tama were to abandon Solo, that’d hurt Solo more because MFT would stop being a faction and would just be a duo. Though maybe they’ll have Talla leave Solo, too, making Solo truly solo again. All I know is, good matches tonight for everyone, and we’re definitely getting a Six Man Tag at some point.

Very good promo from Jacob Fatu with The Usos, but it’s still hard to say if Fatu wins or loses. While there’s been the kayfabe talk of “OG Bloodline better not relapse into their old ways,” that feels like exactly what could happen. The moment Fatu gets a Tongan Death Grip on Roman, The Usos might rush out there to distract the ref. Very good promos from Gunther, Heyman and Cody, as well as a pretty good brawl from Cody and Gunther. Cody VS Gunther waiting for Clash In Italy is fine, that gives that event its big anchor main event to build towards. And the way Heyman was talking about everyone needing/wanting a Wise Man, how wild would it be if Heel Cody is the next Heyman Guy? That of course also depends on if The Vision falls apart or stands together as a faction.

Very good match from Tiff VS Kiana, and of course Giulia and Kiana are at odds to where Giulia didn’t help cheat the match. That team probably splits up before the summer, and maybe Chelsea Green returns to challenge Tiff at some point. Good stuff from Saints and Cardona to hold Saints over, he’ll likely be in the US Championship conversation after Backlash. Good promo from Rhea with #Charlexa, good promo from Fatal Influence and Irresistible Forces with Paige & Brie, and clearly there’s gonna be one more match of Paige & Brie VS Nia & Lash. Great Six Woman Tag, and it works in story for Jade & The Baddies to return. Jade obviously doesn’t want Jacy thinking she can just get at the title before her rematch, and we can have some good Heels VS Heels in Baddies VS Influence.

Great stuff with Danhausen, but his “clone” is clearly going to be someone in Danhausen face paint, just no idea who. And equally hilarious stuff with this Gingerbread Man funeral. It continues to be a surprisingly well-done reversal of the Face-Heel dynamics, with Sami being the only sane one in this scenario. And I loved that Yachty was the Gingerbread Man this time so we could get that “back from the dead” gag. The go-home math says Sami wins the title back, and that could work in story so that Sami and Trick have a tiebreaker at some later date.

My Score: 8.8/10